In a heartbreaking tragedy, a transgender woman known as Barbie was shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 26. Her death marks the 26th violent killing of a transgender or gender-expansive individual in the United States this year, underscoring the alarming prevalence of hate crimes targeting the transgender community. Barbie’s family is calling on authorities to treat her murder as a hate crime, shedding light on the ongoing violence faced by transgender individuals.
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A Life Cut Short: Remembering Barbie
Barbie was a vibrant young woman, described by her family and friends as someone who radiated warmth and positivity. Her mother, Latoya Alexander, recalled Barbie’s love for music, particularly her adoration for rapper Nicki Minaj. “She was an ardent Nicki Minaj fan,” Latoya shared, noting that Barbie had recently attended Minaj’s concert in Philadelphia for the second time that year. Barbie’s nickname, “Barbie,” was inspired by Minaj’s iconic persona, embodying a strong and confident woman with a flair for beauty and self-expression.
Those who knew Barbie personally remember her as a person full of life, a beacon of love and respect for those around her. Trevon Pope, a close friend, described Barbie as someone who “wanted to be loved and respected,” emphasizing that she did not tolerate disrespect. Her caring nature was evident to anyone who met her, and her friends often recall how she would go out of her way to make others feel special.
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Her sister, Darlene Joseph, shared a similar sentiment of heartbreak and disbelief with the Windy City Times, stating, “I have not fully processed that she’s not here with us anymore. She was full of life, and you could feel her presence whenever she walked into a room…She had this positive energy that could brighten anyone’s day.”
Barbie’s dreams and passions also spoke to the kind of person she was. A lover of beauty, she had aspirations of starting her own business, focusing on selling beauty products such as lashes and wigs. She enjoyed doing hair and makeup, and her vibrant personality extended to her desire to uplift and support those around her, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Tragic Night in Chicago’s Austin Neighborhood
On the night of her death, Barbie was with a group of friends in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. The group was enjoying a night out together when an unknown man approached them briefly, then left. Thirty minutes later, the man returned, this time armed, and opened fire on the group. Barbie was struck multiple times and tragically died at the scene, with 15 shell casings found near her body.
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The senseless violence that led to Barbie’s death has left her family, friends, and community in mourning. They are adamant that her killing should be considered a hate crime, an all-too-common tragedy in the transgender community. In an emotional plea to authorities, Barbie’s cousin, Mariyah Phillips, said, “I do feel like it was a hate crime. I want to start [bringing] awareness [that] people are really attacking that community. I want people to know that they are being attacked.” This call for awareness is a reflection of the broader struggle faced by transgender individuals in the U.S., where violence against them is on the rise, fueled in part by discrimination, bigotry, and ignorance.
The Stigma and Misgendering of Transgender Victims
Adding to the heartbreak of Barbie’s death was the initial misgendering of her in media coverage. Reports used her dead name—a harmful and disrespectful practice where a transgender person is referred to by their birth name rather than their chosen name. This misstep is common in news coverage of transgender individuals, particularly when reporting on tragic events like homicides. The Advocate reported that Barbie was initially misidentified, sparking outrage within the transgender community, who argue that such mistakes further contribute to the stigmatization of transgender people.
Her family has publicly condemned these actions, stating that respecting a person’s chosen name is essential for dignity, particularly after their death. Misgendering not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also exacerbates the emotional pain for families and loved ones who are already grappling with the loss of their loved one. Barbie’s family has called for greater sensitivity and respect in how transgender victims are treated in the media, particularly in instances where they are victims of violent crimes.
The Growing Crisis of Violence Against Transgender People
Barbie’s murder is part of a larger and deeply troubling trend in the U.S. in which transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, are disproportionately targeted by violence. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), there have been at least 26 violent deaths of transgender individuals in 2024 alone. This reflects the increasingly dangerous environment transgender individuals face, where hate crimes, discrimination, and violence are all too common.
Transgender women, especially Black and Latina transgender women, are particularly vulnerable to violence, with many reporting a lack of support from both law enforcement and society at large. Barbie’s case highlights the intersection of systemic racism, transphobia, and the increasing number of attacks on gender-expansive individuals.
Many transgender advocates argue that the violence directed at transgender people is deeply connected to societal attitudes towards gender nonconformity. Transgender individuals, especially those who are visibly gender nonconforming, are often seen as “other,” and their existence challenges traditional norms of gender. This, in turn, can lead to discrimination, violence, and, as in Barbie’s case, death.
Seeking Justice: The Call for Accountability
Barbie’s death has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Barbie’s family and supporters are demanding that authorities treat her death as a hate crime. The tragic loss of a young life has prompted activists and community leaders to call for more robust protections for transgender individuals and a commitment from law enforcement to address the growing number of attacks on the transgender community.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance, which takes place annually on November 20th, serves as a somber reminder of the many transgender people who have lost their lives due to violence. It is a day to honor those who have been murdered and to raise awareness about the ongoing epidemic of violence facing the transgender community. Barbie’s family hopes that her death will not be in vain and that it will inspire action to protect other transgender individuals from similar violence.
In the wake of Barbie’s murder, the importance of community support has never been clearer. Barbie’s friends and family have urged individuals struggling with their mental health to reach out for support. The Trevor Project, a leading organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth, has reminded those in need that they are not alone. Anyone struggling with thoughts of self-harm can reach out to TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678 for support.
A Call for Change
Barbie’s tragic death is yet another stark reminder of the violence and discrimination transgender individuals face daily. As calls for justice continue to grow, so too must the conversation about how society can better protect and support its most vulnerable communities. Barbie’s family is determined to keep her memory alive and ensure that her death does not become just another statistic in a growing list of transgender lives lost to violence.
The fight for justice and equality continues, but with each life lost, the need for meaningful change becomes more urgent. Until transgender people can live without fear of violence, prejudice, and discrimination, the battle for their rights and safety must remain at the forefront of our collective consciousness.
